HB 1459 Summary

• Creates the Northwest Broward Independent Fire District as an independent special district to provide fire and emergency medical services to the Cities of Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Margate, and Parkland on a voluntary basis by municipal resolution.

• Establishes the Northwest Broward Fire Board as the governing body composed of elected officials from participating municipalities, with board members receiving no compensation but entitled to reimbursement for travel and per diem expenses.

• Authorizes the district to levy ad valorem taxes up to 3.75 mills annually, issue general obligation bonds (subject to referendum approval), impose impact fees on new construction ($0.15 per square foot for residential, $0.30 for commercial), and collect user fees and special assessments.

• Requires all participating municipalities to reduce their ad valorem tax revenue in the initial year by eliminating fire assessment fees equal to the amount budgeted for the district, ensuring no net tax increase for residents.

• Requires approval by majority vote in a referendum scheduled for November 6, 2012, among qualified electors of the four municipalities; the act terminates if no municipality passes a resolution within 5 years of effectiveness.